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Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a perfectly balanced dish featuring golden, crispy baked chicken coated in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. This easy-to-make recipe offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken while delivering irresistible crunch, flavor, and a customizable heat level that makes it ideal for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on or boneless
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Crunchy Coating

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt, a pinch
  • Chili flakes (optional, to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Glaze

  • ½ cup hot honey (chili-infused honey)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere. Marinate the chicken in a bowl with buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Make the Crunchy Coating: In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, salt, and chili flakes if using. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the mixture and toss to coat evenly, promoting crispiness when baked.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Press each piece firmly and evenly into the panko mixture, covering all sides thoroughly to create a crunchy crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
  5. Glaze with Hot Honey: While the chicken bakes, gently warm the hot honey until it becomes pourable. Once the chicken is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the warm hot honey over each piece to create a glossy, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before breading to ensure the coating stays crispy.
  • Use a wire rack when baking to allow heat to circulate and crisp all sides.
  • Marinate the chicken in buttermilk to tenderize and enhance flavor; do not skip this step.
  • Slightly warm the hot honey for easier drizzling and better coating.
  • Adjust chili flakes or hot honey quantities to control spice from mild to fiery.
  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; keep honey glaze separate.
  • Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.
  • For gluten-free option, replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes/rice cereal.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken piece with glaze)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: baked chicken, crispy chicken, hot honey chicken, spicy honey chicken, gluten free chicken, crunchy baked chicken, healthy fried chicken alternative

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/baked-crunchy-hot-honey-chicken/